2nd Sunday of Easter
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! For 50 days we celebrate the great feast of Easter! In our parish and homes, we continue to praise our God and celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. Alleluia!
Many have commented on the solemnity of the Easter Liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week. Thank you to all who ministered: Shannon and the musicians and cantors, our youth and their parents, the lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Thank you to all those who decorated the church including Paul Ecker. Thank you also to Catherine Ecker and those who have been a part of the Initiation process, and lastly thank you to Nadia DeAmicis and Bernice Scian for the beautiful Easter arrangements in the planters at the front of the church.
If you or a family member is sick please let us know and we shall add their name to our prayer list which is posted in the gathering space of the church.
We remember in prayer those who have died recently including: Justin Pickersgill.
TODAY is Divine Mercy Sunday
All are invited to a holy hour on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7th from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, and was established by St. John Paul II centered on the revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska. Pamphlets are available in the church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on Rosary beads with a different set of prayers. During the holy hour, there will be Adoration, confessions and the sung Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. There are special graces that our Lord promised for those who pray on Divine Mercy Sunday and can only be received for oneself, through reception of Holy Communion in a state of grace. A plenary indulgence, however, can be offered for oneself, or for souls suffering in purgatory.
Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH and would appreciate a visit from someone at St. Mary’s please call or email the parish office. Please note: the hospital no longer provides us with a list of Catholics who are hospitalized; therefore, you must notify the parish.
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Just a reminder, we ask that you do not park in the reserved spaces for the residents of 75 Amelia Street. |
Proclaiming God’s Word!
A note of thanks to all lectors who served God’s people by proclaiming the Word of God throughout Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. Your commitment to preparation and proclamation enriches our liturgies. If you would like to learn more about serving as a lector at Sunday Mass please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org.
Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group
Our Lord assured us that those who mourn are blessed and shall be comforted. Seasons of Hope helps us come together to share in God’s love. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, Seasons of Hope is a nurturing link to the Church, our God and people of faith who understand what it means to grieve. This program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. Come and be comforted. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 17th, 2024 in St. Joseph’s Room. Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
Knights of Columbus, Council 1626 Parish Breakfast
You’re invited to the parish hall after the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. Masses on Sunday, April 14th.
Scrambled eggs, sausages, baked beans and buns served.
Coffee, tea, and juice also provided.
No reservations required. Good Will donations will be accepted at the door.
Human Trafficking
The presentation by the OPP Human Trafficking Unit will be held on Tuesday, April 30th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Joy of Easter and Deepening Our Grasp of the Sunday Liturgy
During the Easter season we will study Rita Ferrone’s book Pastoral Guide to Pope Francis’s Desiderio Desideravi (On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God). Pope Francis’s pastoral letter to the people of God invites us on a retreat providing us with prompts to deepen our understanding of the Liturgy. Preregistration is necessary and each participant will need a copy of the book ($20.00). We will meet from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays beginning April 11th and concluding May 9th. To register please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
All Adults 55+ - Ministry with Maturing Adults
All are welcome to attend the various sessions offered for those in the second half of life.
VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details regarding registration please call: VON at 705 737 5044 ext. 221.
Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9th, on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115).
Alumni Writing Group: this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program.
The monthly meeting will be held on Thursday April 11th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.
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Spring is Here: Join us for a Time of Renewal Wednesday, April 17th at 2:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of conversation, games and refreshments! We will play bingo, assorted board games and have some door prizes! All are welcome, no previous play experience needed! “Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground”. K. Chesterton
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Everything Old is New Again
If you want to be ready for heaven you need to play!
Altar Server Training for New Servers
Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. All children Grade 4 and up who have received their first communion are welcome to attend. Any questions please email David dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.
Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children
We will celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word with children on Sunday, April 7th and 21st during the 12 noon Mass. All children between ages 4 and 8 are invited to participate. The children and leaders are sent after the Opening Prayer to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word. They return during the Preparation of the Gifts. If you are interested in becoming a leader or have questions please contact David at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.
Confirmation Preparation: Important Reminder!
Catechetical Meeting # 3 Candidates and Sponsors 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
It is understood that the candidate and sponsor will attend the meeting. IF, the sponsor cannot attend the parent is to attend. The second and final opportunity to attend this meeting is on Monday April 8th. All candidates are expected to participate in the meeting.
Questions or concerns please contact David Murdoch (dmurdoch@archtoronto.org) or Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
Preparation for First Sharing in Holy Communion: Parent Child Meeting # 2
7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early!
Each parent and child will participate in a family catechetical meeting. Please arrange childcare for siblings, so you and your child preparing for Holy Communion may participate fully. You are asked to attend the assigned meeting. IF for serious reasons you cannot attend the assigned date please attend the other meeting.
Tuesday, April 9th Surnames A to L
Monday, April 15th Surnames M to Z
Questions or concerns please contact David Murdoch (dmurdoch@archtoronto.org) or Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
Pasta Dinner Night
Youth Fundraiser – Sunday, April 14th @ 5:00 p.m.
Join us to support our parish youth for a delicious pasta dinner, Caesar salad, bread and dessert in our parish hall. Tickets $15/person OR $40/family and sold after all Masses this weekend or from the parish office.
Youth Ministry
M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4 and gathers once a month on Friday nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. where we explore our faith in a dynamic way through activities, games, crafts and music. Our next gathering is Friday, April 12th.. Registration required.
EDGE is a youth ministry program for youth grades 5-8 to come together once a month on a Friday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDGE is a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith and most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Our next gathering is Friday, April 26th.
LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, April 14th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Dinner provided.
For information on our Youth Ministry please email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426.
